Enterovirus infection in the central nervous system in patients discharged from the ^Dr. Carlos Saenz Herrera^Hospital Nacional de Ninos: epidemiology in the period between March 2013 and May 2015

Enteroviruses (EV) represent the main cause of viral infection in the central nervous system (CNS) in humans. In Costa Rica, there are no studies on Enterovirus infections in the pediatric population. In order to know the epidemiology of this viral infection, a study was carried out in order to know the epidemiological profile and identify complications, sequelae and mortality associated with this infection in children discharged from the Hospital Nacional de Ninos ^Dr. Carlos Saenz Herrera⁽HNN). Retrospective descriptive study, during the period from March 1, 2013 to May 31, 2015, in which descriptive statistics are used. A total of 72 patients were included, of which 56.9% correspond to the male gender. 97.2% of the patients were white. The distribution by age groups was as follows: <1 month, 36 patients (50%); 2 - 24m, 11 patients (15.3%); 24-48 months, 8 patients (11%) and> 48 months 17 patients (23.7%). The main clinical presentation was acute meningitis in 60 patients (83.3%). 4.1% associated complications and 8.3% sequelae were documented. No mortality was reported. Enterovirus infections in the CNS are more frequent in neonates and infants in children discharged from NNH. The long-term behavior of this infection in the CNS should continue to be monitored in order to replicate the information and document an endemic channel. In addition, the search for this germ should be included as part of the screening for neonatal sepsis